PHILADELPHIA – When a trainer for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms walked up to Garrett Wilson at Saturday morning’s practice and told him he had a phone call, the 34-year-old left wing imagined the worst scenario. . .a dreaded trade.
But Wilson got on the line and a smile came to his face. Flyers GM Daniel Briere told him to report for duty for a game against Columbus that night at the Xfinity Mobile Arena
For the first time since 2019, Wilson was headed back to the NHL and, best of all, with the Flyers.
Although Wilson wasn’t needed for this particular game, just getting the surprise promotion was quite flattering.
“It was pretty unexpected,” Wilson admitted. “To get back on a two-way (contract) is pretty special. I’m really excited for the opportunity.”
Wilson, who had 84 NHL games under his belt prior to the game against the Blue Jackets, said he sort of feared the worst – a trade — when he went to grab the phone.
“I was in the room in Lehigh and I didn’t have my phone on me,” Wilson said. “The trainer said to check my phone. I didn’t know what was going on. A little nerve-wracking. I didn’t think I was going anywhere but it was a nice surprise for sure.”
The 6-foot-3, 218-pound Wilson had scored only two goals in those first 84 NHL games but his most valuable contribution to a team is probably his physical play. And he can score. The former fourth-round pick (by Florida in the 2009) draft, has notched seasons of 23, 17 and 18 goals in AHL play.
“I knew my role,” said Wilson, a native of Barrie, Ontario. “I knew about the rebuild. I wanted to make sure I took care of them (young players). When I was a young guy, I had a lot of good leaders taking care of me.
“I kind of passed that down to them. Just teaching guys how to be a pro every day, how to act around the rink, take care of the trainers and the staff. I just try to lead by example. I play a hard game. I’m not that too rah-rah that much.”
Wilson has been a captain with the Phantoms and knows when to speak his piece.
“I don’t say that much,” he said. “But when something needs to be said, I’ll say it. Basically I just want to take care of younger guys.”
With Nicolas Deslauriers traded away at the deadline, the Flyers could use the physical presence of a player such as Wilson.
“I’m pretty hard-nosed,” Wilson said. “Keep it simple. The last time I was in the NHL (with Pittsburgh in 2019), I was a fourth-line guy who does the little details. Sticks up for my teammates. Go to the net hard, finish my checks.”
Wilson acknowledged this callup is a nice reward for all those years of hard work in Allentown.
“Yeah, ‘Jonesy’ (president Keith Jones) and Briere gave me this opportunity – it’s first-class by them,” Wilson said. “I want to show them that I can still play in this league. It has been awhile but you don’t know if your window is ever going to be fully closed.”
Plus, Wilson gets to hang out with two of his Phantom “proteges,” Alex Bump and Denver Barkey. Both have been promoted to the Flyers this season.
“To be up here with them is special,” Wilson said. “They’re doing great here. They’re getting better every day.”
Flyers coach Rick Tocchet was still playing in the NHL at Wilson’s current age so he appreciates what a player of his stature brings to the table.
“He’s an unreal character guy,” Tocchet said. “Plus we’ve got some banged-up guys. Just a guy that can add some toughness. Great locker room guy. Doesn’t hurt you on the ice either.”
Tocchet was an assistant coach for the Penguins when Wilson played the 2018-19 season in Pittsburgh.
Even then Wilson displayed leadership qualities.
“I think it’s good to have a veteran guy around the young guys,” Tocchet said. “The more veteran guys around the young guys the better. That will make them not as nervous during the game.”
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